Carpenter flexible about position on NL team

MINNEAPOLIS -- Matt Carpenter may have earned a spot on the National League roster as a third baseman, but the second-time Cardinals All-Star is prepared for the possibility of playing one of five possible positions in Tuesday's contest at Target Field.

Carpenter, like Pittsburgh's Josh Harrison, used his defensive versatility to boost his All-Star candidacy. Carpenter said he brought just one glove, but he is prepared to borrow another if he ends up needing to play in the outfield. Harrison will have him covered, as the Pirates utility man said he packed four gloves -- two outfield and two infield ones.

"Certainly, I have the option to play anywhere, and I'll be ready to go," Carpenter said from a dais at the Minneapolis Hyatt Regency on Monday. "I think it helped me get on this team. When you get into a game where guys are coming off the bench and going to different spots, the versatility helps."

Carpenter, who made an All-Star roster as a second baseman in 2013, said he is also more prepared to soak up the experience this time around. Last year, it was all about logistics, making sure he was everywhere he needed to be on time. This time, it's about savoring it all.

"Last year, coming to this kind of thing was overwhelming," Carpenter said. "I felt like last year it was over before I could blink an eye. This time it's really a feather in the cap type feeling. Anytime you get selected, it's an honor. But to get selected for a second time, it's special."